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When Inter Miami and Egyptian side Al-Ahly kick off the Club World Cup at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday, eyes won't just be on Lionel Messi — they'll also be focused on the stands.
There could be thousands of empty seats for that match, which may serve as an ongoing theme for the remainder of the U.S.-based tournament.
Despite FIFA's desperate pitch to fans, interest in the Club World Cup has been next to none. Here's what's happening with the ticket sales for the Club World Cup.
Though a Club World Cup had existed before 2025's iteration, it was a weeklong tournament during the typical club season played among the various confederation champions annually between 2005 and 2023 (it started in 2000 before a four-year hiatus).
Despite having the name "World Cup" in it, the tournament lacked prestige or fan interest. It was seen as just another trophy along the lines of a UEFA Super Cup — a glorified exhibition. The winner would get a cool patch on the jerseys for the subsequent season, but that's about it.
In an attempt to change that perception, FIFA moved to expand the Club World Cup, to hold it during the summer offseason/international window and to utilize the vast stadium infrastructure across the U.S. — co-hosts for the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA had high hopes for the American fan's appetite to see clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea and more playing competitive matches with top squads and global superstars.
Thus far, that hope has looked misguided.
The World Cup is the biggest sporting event on Earth in part because it has nearly 100 years of history and tradition. That's generational respect and recognition for a tournament. The Club World Cup has none of that.
Fans are generally able to see through FIFA's financial motives, and manufacturing a major club tournament after a grueling season simply doesn't move the needle. Fans have also been conditioned to associate the summer months with international tournaments and club matches as preseason friendlies. The players aren't excited. Why should fans be?
It's unrealistic to look at a 65,000-seat stadium and think fans will watch an MLS vs. Egyptian League matchup just because FIFA says this game matters.
That's not even taking to account the political situation in the U.S. and the Trump administration's blatant hostility to visitors from abroad. FIFA president Gianni Infantino was even asked about possible concerns with ICE agents carrying out immigration operations at Club World Cup matches. He didn't have a problem with it.
That's not a situation that will have fans clamoring to travel to be a part of.
According to The Athletic, FIFA has resorted to slashing prices because ticket sales have been so lackluster. Last week, it was reported that the opening match had fewer than 20,000 tickets sold in the 65,000-seat stadium.
A look at the seat map showed that all retail tickets have been pulled from Ticketmaster for the opener with just resale tickets displayed. But other matches in the group stage showed entire sections empty — even one including a marquee club like Manchester City.
When it comes to lesser-know clubs to casual soccer fans, you're looking at near-empty stadiums.
That has seen ticket prices slashed to as low as $23 before fees. And honestly, those prices could drop even more.
Obviously, FIFA is not going to project concern about the lack of fan interest. But the organization knows it has been a struggle. Infantino has been trying to pitch the Club World Cup as a chance to be a part of history — a chance to attend the first edition of this tournament.
Via USA TODAY:
FIFA also said in a statement to The Athletic:
We'll have to see if fan interest improves as the tournament unfolds. But right now, the challenge is undeniable.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Why are ticket sales so bad for the Club World Cup?
Continue reading...
There could be thousands of empty seats for that match, which may serve as an ongoing theme for the remainder of the U.S.-based tournament.
Despite FIFA's desperate pitch to fans, interest in the Club World Cup has been next to none. Here's what's happening with the ticket sales for the Club World Cup.
What is the Club World Cup?
Though a Club World Cup had existed before 2025's iteration, it was a weeklong tournament during the typical club season played among the various confederation champions annually between 2005 and 2023 (it started in 2000 before a four-year hiatus).
Despite having the name "World Cup" in it, the tournament lacked prestige or fan interest. It was seen as just another trophy along the lines of a UEFA Super Cup — a glorified exhibition. The winner would get a cool patch on the jerseys for the subsequent season, but that's about it.
In an attempt to change that perception, FIFA moved to expand the Club World Cup, to hold it during the summer offseason/international window and to utilize the vast stadium infrastructure across the U.S. — co-hosts for the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA had high hopes for the American fan's appetite to see clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea and more playing competitive matches with top squads and global superstars.
Thus far, that hope has looked misguided.
Why is there little fan interest?
The World Cup is the biggest sporting event on Earth in part because it has nearly 100 years of history and tradition. That's generational respect and recognition for a tournament. The Club World Cup has none of that.
Fans are generally able to see through FIFA's financial motives, and manufacturing a major club tournament after a grueling season simply doesn't move the needle. Fans have also been conditioned to associate the summer months with international tournaments and club matches as preseason friendlies. The players aren't excited. Why should fans be?
It's unrealistic to look at a 65,000-seat stadium and think fans will watch an MLS vs. Egyptian League matchup just because FIFA says this game matters.
That's not even taking to account the political situation in the U.S. and the Trump administration's blatant hostility to visitors from abroad. FIFA president Gianni Infantino was even asked about possible concerns with ICE agents carrying out immigration operations at Club World Cup matches. He didn't have a problem with it.
That's not a situation that will have fans clamoring to travel to be a part of.
What are ticket sales looking like?
According to The Athletic, FIFA has resorted to slashing prices because ticket sales have been so lackluster. Last week, it was reported that the opening match had fewer than 20,000 tickets sold in the 65,000-seat stadium.
A look at the seat map showed that all retail tickets have been pulled from Ticketmaster for the opener with just resale tickets displayed. But other matches in the group stage showed entire sections empty — even one including a marquee club like Manchester City.
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When it comes to lesser-know clubs to casual soccer fans, you're looking at near-empty stadiums.
You must be registered for see images attach
That has seen ticket prices slashed to as low as $23 before fees. And honestly, those prices could drop even more.
What is FIFA saying about the ticket situation?
Obviously, FIFA is not going to project concern about the lack of fan interest. But the organization knows it has been a struggle. Infantino has been trying to pitch the Club World Cup as a chance to be a part of history — a chance to attend the first edition of this tournament.
Via USA TODAY:
FIFA also said in a statement to The Athletic:
We'll have to see if fan interest improves as the tournament unfolds. But right now, the challenge is undeniable.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Why are ticket sales so bad for the Club World Cup?
Continue reading...
